Devotional for 8/2/15
We often work on looking good on the outside. We see to it that we are clean, bathing regularly, washing our hair and clothes, etc. We try to look presentable by using make up, wearing good clothes and jewelry, and keeping our hair neat. Some of these areas are debatable with current trends, but overall we try to look good in public, especially for special occasions, when going out on a date, or when going to church, and so forth.
Looking good on the inside is harder. It involves the heart, mind and soul. We work on our hearts and minds by improving our understanding and connection with God through studying his Word, building up our faith through fellowship with others in Christ, and avoiding temptations that draw us away from these things. We also confess our sins and ask God for forgiveness, and we share God's love with others in word and deed. But the only way our souls are cleansed, purified and saved is through the power of God himself. Inner purity of soul has to be an inside job by God, the only absolutely perfect and pure being.
When we work on our outer beauty only, it does not soak into the inside. But when God works on our inner beauty, it shines on the outside to the world. We support that inside-out beauty by not rejecting His gift, working on our conscious contact with Him and sharing Him with the world around us with His help.
[Jesus said:] "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, and then the outside also will be clean." Matthew 23:25-26 (NIV)
Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Then I will teach transgressors your ways, so that sinners will turn back to you. Psalm 51:10-13 (NIV)
[Jesus said:] "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
Dear Lord in heaven, I know that inside I am nothing without you. Forgive me where I have done wrong or not done what I ought to have done. Thank you for your gift of a clean heart and a faithful spirit. Help me to shine from the inside-out with your love and forgiveness to those around me. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.
written by Jan Andersen
written by Jan Andersen
It does no good if a person is beautiful on the outside but on the inside there are problems caused by a lack of goodness or willingness to be there for others who may be needing support...one who is mean natured or selfish. Sometimes people cannot see the behind the scenes shortcomings because they are too taken up with beauty on the outside which dazzles while hiding the shortcomings.
ReplyDeleteGod bless...